More than 58 percent of Coastline Erosion in Two Indian Cities in Gujarat

Two cities on India’s western coast, Valsad and Navsari (near Surat in Gujarat), have experienced coastline erosion exceeding 58% over the past 32 years. 

Given India’s extensive coastline and numerous rivers, many regions are susceptible to erosion from natural factors such as tides, waves, currents, floods, and vegetation loss. Furthermore, human activities, including construction near coastlines and riverbanks, exacerbate erosion processes.

The National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR), under India’s Ministry of Earth Sciences, has conducted an updated assessment of shoreline changes along the coastal districts of Valsad and Navsari on the Gujarat coast using remote-sensing datasets for the period 1990–2022.

The results indicate that about 58% (36.62 km) of the Valsad coastline experienced erosion of varying intensity, including 2.5 km under high erosion, 3.24 km under moderate erosion, and the remaining 30.88 km under low erosion.

Similarly, around 60% (24.64 km) of the Navsari coastline was found to be undergoing erosion, comprising 3.86 km under high erosion, 4.60 km under moderate erosion, and 16.18 km under low erosion categories.

As per NCCR shoreline change classification, the region north of Udvada (Gujarat) is identified as a high-erosion zone, while the Bhagal coastal stretch falls under the moderate-erosion category; both are considered erosion-prone and high-risk areas.

Other coastal stretches in Gujarat, such as Govada, Dehri Beach, Umbergaon Beach, Nargol, Malwan Beach, Maroli, Kalgam Bariyawad Beach, Fansa, Umarsadi, Tithal, and Kosamba, are classified as low-erosion.

The National Centre for Coastal Research conducts systematic R&D on coastal processes and shoreline management and assists coastal States and UTs by identifying vulnerable stretches, recommending site-specific mitigation measures, and supporting the preparation of Shoreline Management Plans (SMPs).

In June 2024, the Government issued Guidelines for Appraisal and Release of Funds for Coastal and River Erosion under the National Disaster Management Fund (NDMF) to address erosion-related issues.

The guidelines provide for river and coastline erosion mitigation measures under the NDMF and resettlement of displaced populations under the National Disaster Relief Fund (NDRF) with a recommended allocation of Rs. 1500 crore for 2021–26.